Apple iPhone 12 vs Realme GT Neo2 - Detailed Phone Comparison

Detailed Comparison

Specification

General

Launch Date October 23, 2020 September 28, 2021
Release Year 2020 2021

Physical

Volume 77.62 cm³ 111.13 cm³
Screen Size to Weight Ratio 3.72 "/g 3.31 "/g
Weight 164 g 199.8 g
Height 146.7 mm 162.9 mm
Width 71.5 mm 75.8 mm
Thickness 7.4 mm 9 mm
Foldable Design No No
Available Colors
  • Black
  • Red
  • Blue
  • White
  • Green
  • Purple
  • Neo Black
  • Neo Blue
  • Neo Green

Display

Screen Size 6.1 " 6.62 "
Resolution 1170 x 2532 1080 x 2400
Aspect Ratio 19.5:9 20:9
Screen-to-Body Ratio 87.1 % 85.7 %
Pixel Density 460 PPI 398 PPI
Refresh Rate N/A 120 Hz
Typical Brightness N/A N/A
HBM Brightness 625 nits N/A
Peak Brightness 1200 nits 1300 nits

Hardware

Battery Capacity per Screen Area 75.65 mAh/in² 114.09 mAh/in²
Battery Density 36.27 mAh/cm³ 44.99 mAh/cm³
Battery Capacity 2815 mAh 5000 mAh
NFC Support Yes Yes
Chipset Apple A14 Bionic (5 nm) Qualcomm SM8250-AC Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)
CPU Hexa-core (2x3.1 GHz Firestorm + 4x1.8 GHz Icestorm) Octa-core (1x3.2 GHz Kryo 585 & 3x2.42 GHz Kryo 585 & 4x1.80 GHz Kryo 585)
GPU Apple GPU (4-core graphics) Adreno 650

Connectivity

USB Version 2.0 2.0
OTG Support
DisplayPort
DisplayPort Version N/A N/A
USB Features Lightning 2.0 USB Type-C 2.0

Software

Operating System iOS Android
Initial OS Version 14.1 11
Maximum OS Version 18 12

Comparison Summary

1. Specifications Comparison

Design

FeatureApple iPhone 12Realme GT Neo2Practical Impact
Dimensions146.7 × 71.5 × 7.4 mm162.9 × 75.8 × 9 mmiPhone 12 is more compact and pocketable, while the GT Neo2 might feel large for some users.
Weight164g199.8giPhone 12 is noticeably lighter, making it more comfortable for one-handed use and extended periods.
BuildUnknownUnknownWithout material information, it's hard to compare durability and premium feel.
FoldableStandardStandardBoth are standard smartphones, not foldable.

Display

FeatureApple iPhone 12Realme GT Neo2Practical Impact
Size6.1"6.62"GT Neo2 offers a more immersive experience for media consumption and gaming.
Resolution1170x25321080x2400iPhone 12 has slightly sharper image quality and finer detail.
PPI460398iPhone 12 has visibly sharper text and images.
TechnologyOLEDAMOLEDBoth offer vibrant colors and deep blacks; differences are subtle and depend on calibration.
Refresh Rate60Hz120HzGT Neo2 provides smoother scrolling, animations, and gaming.
Brightness1200 nits1300 nitsGT Neo2 is slightly easier to see in direct sunlight.

Performance

FeatureApple iPhone 12Realme GT Neo2Practical Impact
ChipsetApple A14 Bionic (5 nm)Qualcomm Snapdragon 870 5G (7 nm)A14 Bionic is generally faster in CPU-intensive tasks and optimized for iOS. The Snapdragon 870 is still very capable and efficient.
Antutu Score1,083,947794,643iPhone 12 likely has a snappier overall experience, but both handle most apps smoothly.
GPUApple GPU (4-core graphics)Adreno 650Both GPUs can handle demanding games, but the A14 has better graphical performance.

Camera

FeatureApple iPhone 12Realme GT Neo2Practical Impact
Main Camera12MP f/1.664MP f/1.8GT Neo2 captures more detail in good lighting, while the iPhone 12 performs better in low light due to its wider aperture and image processing.
Sensor Size (Main)1/2.55"1/1.72"The Realme GT Neo2 captures more light, resulting in better low-light performance.
Selfie Camera12MP f/2.216MP f/2.5GT Neo2 captures slightly more detail, while the iPhone 12's wider aperture might lead to slightly better low-light selfies.
Wide Angle Lens12MP f/2.48MP f/2.3iPhone 12 captures wider shots with more detail; GT Neo2 slightly brighter images.
Macro LensN/A2MP f/2.4GT Neo2 can take close-up shots, a feature missing on the iPhone 12.
VideoUp to 4K 60fpsUp to 4K 60fpsBoth record high-quality video, but the iPhone 12 has better stabilization according to the data.
DxOMark (Mobile)117N/AiPhone 12 has a well-regarded camera system, but no DxOMark score for GT Neo2.

Battery

FeatureApple iPhone 12Realme GT Neo2Practical Impact
Capacity2815mAh5000mAhGT Neo2 offers significantly longer battery life, especially with its larger capacity and efficient processor.
Charging20W65WGT Neo2 charges much faster, reducing downtime.
Wireless Charging15W MagSafe, 7.5W QiN/AiPhone 12 supports convenient wireless charging.

Other

FeatureApple iPhone 12Realme GT Neo2Practical Impact
OSiOS 14.1Android 11iOS is known for its simplicity and app ecosystem. Android offers more customization options.
RAM4GB6/8/12GBGT Neo2 handles multitasking more smoothly, especially with the 8GB or 12GB options.
Storage64/128/256GB128/256GBBoth offer sufficient storage for most users, but the iPhone 12 has a smaller minimum of 64GB.
Expandable StorageNoNoNeither phone allows for storage expansion.
Bluetooth5.15.2GT Neo2 supports more advanced audio codecs for better wireless audio quality.
SIMNano SIM + eSIMDual Nano SIMGT Neo2 can use two physical SIM cards, while the iPhone 12 uses one physical and one eSIM.
SecurityBasicFingerprint SensorGT Neo2 offers a faster fingerprint sensor, but no face identification, while the iPhone 12 has better face identification.

2. Key Differences Analysis

Apple iPhone 12 Advantages:

  • More Compact and Lighter: Easier to handle and carry.
  • Higher Display Sharpness: Noticeably crisper image quality.
  • Faster Performance: Snappier app loading and overall responsiveness.
  • Reputable Camera System: Known for reliable image quality and video recording, especially in low light.
  • iOS Ecosystem: Access to Apple's services and software updates.
  • Wireless Charging: Convenient charging option.

Realme GT Neo2 Advantages:

  • Larger Display: More immersive viewing experience.
  • Smoother Display: 120Hz refresh rate for fluid animations and gaming.
  • Significantly Longer Battery Life: Lasts much longer on a single charge.
  • Faster Charging: Quickly replenish the battery.
  • More RAM: Better multitasking capabilities, especially with higher RAM configurations.
  • Macro Lens: Added versatility for close-up photography.
  • More Audio Codecs: Bluetooth 5.2 and better audio quality.
  • Fingerprint Sensor: Fast and convenient unlocking.

Significant Trade-offs:

  • iPhone 12: Shorter battery life, slower charging, less RAM, missing macro lens.
  • Realme GT Neo2: Larger size and weight, less sharp display, and lower performance than the iPhone 12.

3. User Profiles & Recommendations

Ideal iPhone 12 User:

  • Prefers a compact and lightweight phone.
  • Values a sharp and accurate display.
  • Prioritizes performance and a seamless user experience.
  • Is invested in the Apple ecosystem.
  • Wants a reliable and versatile camera.

Use Cases for iPhone 12:

  • Everyday use, especially for users who prioritize portability.
  • Photography and videography, particularly in challenging lighting conditions.
  • Users needing access to iOS-exclusive apps and services.

Ideal Realme GT Neo2 User:

  • Wants a large and immersive display.
  • Prioritizes long battery life and fast charging.
  • Enjoys mobile gaming and media consumption.
  • Needs good multitasking capabilities.
  • Prefers Android's customization options.

Use Cases for Realme GT Neo2:

  • Mobile gaming and streaming video.
  • Power users who need all-day battery life.
  • Users who want a versatile camera system with a macro lens.
  • Multitasking and running demanding apps.

4. Decision Framework

Key Questions to Consider:

  1. What is your priority: Portability or a large display? (iPhone 12 is smaller, GT Neo2 has a bigger screen).
  2. How important is battery life and charging speed to you? (GT Neo2 excels in both areas).
  3. Do you prefer iOS or Android? (This is a fundamental difference that influences the entire user experience).

Scenario-Based Recommendations:

  • Scenario 1: "I need a phone that lasts all day and charges quickly for my busy lifestyle." Choose the Realme GT Neo2.
  • Scenario 2: "I want a compact phone that's easy to use with one hand and has a great camera." Choose the Apple iPhone 12.
  • Scenario 3: "I'm a gamer who needs a smooth display and good performance on a budget." The Realme GT Neo2 provides a good balance.

My Choice

If I had to choose between these two phones, I would pick the Realme GT Neo2. My primary reasons are:

  1. Superior Battery Life and Charging Speed: As a power user who is often away from a charger, the GT Neo2's larger battery and significantly faster charging are crucial. I prioritize longevity and quick replenishment.
  2. Immersive Display: I enjoy media consumption and gaming, and the larger, smoother 120Hz display on the GT Neo2 enhances these experiences.
  3. Android Customization: While iOS is user-friendly, I prefer the greater level of customization and open-source nature of Android.

While I appreciate the iPhone 12's compact size and reputable camera, the GT Neo2's battery life and display are more important to my specific needs.

Emily Harper
Emily Harper

Technology Insights Specialist

Dedicated technology writer specializing in mobile device analysis and technology communication. Expert at translating complex smartphone features into clear, actionable insights for diverse audiences.

Key Strengths:

  • Mobile technology analysis
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Bridging technical complexity with engaging, accessible narratives.